Maine Coon Teeth/Gum Health & Prevention, Juvenile Heart Murmurs and More

​Maine Coon Teeth/Gum Health & Prevention, Juvenile Heart Murmurs and More

As a breed, Maine Coons are more prone to juvenile gingivitis, gingivitis, peritonitis, and stomatitis. Although for all cats, 8 in 10 will eventually end up with gum and tooth issues. Cat's mouths are full of bacteria.

It is essential to use a Vet that is familiar with this breed, not familiar with DLH thought to be Maine Coons, but the actual true breed. Many MC kittens will experience juvenile gingivitis while teething. This breed loses all baby teeth. It takes about 6 months for the adult teeth to grow in. It varies from kitten to kitten depending on how much swelling of the gums they experience during this process which occurs from 5 months to a year of age. Many Vets misdiagnose this as stomatitis or other mouth diseases and recommend pulling teeth. Do Not let them pull any teeth. Find another vet. Always get a second opinion, just like you would for your own health.

Also, some MC kittens have an enzyme in their mouth that makes the gums try to grow over the teeth as the body is rejecting the teeth. Do Not pull any teeth. The proper treatment is giving the kitten/cat Prednisone for inflammation for several weeks. In severe cases, surgery is required to remove some of the excess growth. Then give prednisone and an antibiotic. Surprisingly, the excess growth normally does not grow back. It is very unlikely that a MC kitten or young adult cat will have any kind of permanent mouth diseases that would require pulling teeth. Remember, MC Cats grow until 4 years of age, so they are just a big kitten at 1 year old.

Everything about MC Cats is large compared to other cat breeds. Head, Feet, Boning, Internal organs such as Heart and loud Heartbeat. Vets unfamiliar with the MC breed will misdiagnose murmurs. Some MC kittens will experience a juvenile murmur as the kittens grow extremely fast. If they have a murmur at all, they usually outgrow it within 6 months. A murmur is an entirely different issue from HCM which is enlargement of the heart and can be fatal. All Mountain Peak Maine Coon breeders have been DNA tested for HCM and are negative for the disease. Murmurs come in 6 grades. Any murmurs Grades (1-3) are considered minor and will normally be outgrown and should not be a concern. Grades (4-6) murmurs are major murmurs and will negatively impact the kitten’s life. All our kittens are examined at our vet appointment for murmurs. If they have any grade minor murmur buyer would be informed, it will be noted on their health record as well. Normally, MC kittens/cats do not just suddenly develop a murmur. If they do not have a murmur at 3 months of age it is extremely unlikely, they will develop one, especially during the first year of growth. If your kitten is diagnosed with a murmur, get a second opinion, or find a Vet familiar with this breed. The kitten did not have a murmur when you took it home.

Always, always get a second opinion and be sure they are familiar with this breed. 

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